Former Raiders fullback Steve Smith dies at age 57 from ALS

HENDERSON, Nev. — Steve Smith, a fullback who spent most of his nine-year NFL career with the Raiders, died Saturday after a long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, the team announced. He was 57.

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Smith contracted amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2002, according to 24/7 Sports and The Associated Press.

“The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Smith, who valiantly battled Lou Gehrig’s disease for two decades,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Steve and his wife Chie are an inspiration, smiling every day while always working for a cure for ALS. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Chie, their children Dante and Jazmin, and their grandson Little Steve.”

During his NFL career, Smith blocked for Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson, among others. He rushed for 1,627 yards and nine touchdowns on 429 carries and caught 131 passes for 1,250 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Smith was drafted in the third round of the 1987 NFL draft by the Raiders out of Penn State. He helped the Nittany Lions win the college football national championship during the 1986 season.

Smith rushed for 1,246 yards and 11 touchdowns in 45 career games at Penn State according to 24/7 Sports. He also caught 31 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns while in college.

After playing seven seasons for the Raiders, Smith played his final two years with the Seattle Seahawks.

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